Abstract

In this article, I retrace the outcomes of recent research I conducted in France on the Indigènes de la République movement and other associations in the "banlieue" of Paris. Within the French frame, the secularism debate ("laïcité") in the public sphere, the universalism rhetoric and the assimilation model, I have examined the discourse and role of French Muslims who are activists in this movement/party. Colonial history and postcolonial issues are some variables of the French case. Furthermore, minority issues and anti-communitarian policy in France have been considered in order to explain new generation claims from immigrant families, Muslims or other postcolonial minorities. The research highlights the pivotal theme of Islam in the public space and also in the subjective affirmation of the actors. I consider the potentiality of the movement interfaced with the risk of communitarian closure and marginality.